Celebrating the life of Dr. Ronald E. Janasek, a cherished figure in both his family and community, who passed away at the age of 86 on November 12, 2025.
Ron was born July 18, 1939 at the family farm south of Munden, Kansas to Earl and Lucile Janasek. He attended school at Munden, Ks. Graduating in 1957 as valedictorian. He was active in 4-H, basketball and band. After graduating high school he attended Kansas State University, majoring in Feed Tech. He was a member of Meats, Jr. and Sr. Livestock Judging Teams, and a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity.
Ron and Jan were married in 1961. They moved to Forest Grove, Oregon to pursue his career at Pacific University College of Optometry where he graduated top of his class in 1965. Moving to Manhattan, Kansas, he joined the private practice of Dr. W.H. Morris, where he practiced for 42 years.
Ron was active in Jaycees, Optimists, Rotary and served on many civic and First United Methodist Church boards. He helped to establish the Good Shepherd Hospice House, was active with Boy Scouts, coaching baseball, Kansas Optometric Association, Heart of America Contact Lens Society where he served as President. He enjoyed trotline fishing, gardening, snow skiing, bridge, and taking ship cruises with friends and family.
Ron was preceded in death by his loving parents, Earl and Lucile Janasek.He is survived by his wife Jan Janasek; his two sons Dr. Jeff Janasek (Cindy) of Wichita, KS, and Dr. Mitch Janasek (Ashlee) of Windsor, CO; grandchildren: Matthew Janasek (Katie) of Olathe, KS, David Janasek (Susan) of Manhattan, KS, Elliot Janasek of Windsor, CO, and Finley Janasek of Windsor, CO; great-grandchildren: Andrew, Elsie, Isaac, Elijah, Luke, Thomas Janasek; his sister Marjorie Frauenfelder, Kansas City, MO, and nieces and nephews.
Graveside services will be held at 11:00a.m. Friday November 21, 2025 at Belleville Cemetery in Belleville, Kansas, with Pastor Nancy Tuma officiating.The family will greet friends during a visitation at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home in Manhattan from 6-7:30pm Friday November 21.A Celebration of Life service will be Saturday November 22 at 10:30am First United Methodist Church in Manhattan with Courtney Fellers officiating.
Ron will be remembered for his kindness, unwavering integrity, and love for his family. His laughter and wisdom were gifts to everyone who knew him.Memorials in memory of Ron are suggested to the Good Shepherd Hospice House, Good Samaritan Fund at Meadowlark Hills, or the First United Methodist Church.